Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Day Trek – Whiskey Route Hiking Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Day Trek Overview

The Machame Route 6-Day Trek , famously known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most scenic and adventurous paths to the roof of Africa. The nickname “Whiskey” suggests that this route is tougher but far more rewarding, offering dramatic landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and the legendary climb up the Barranco Wall.

It is ideal for trekkers who want a challenging yet beautiful ascent without extending to 7 days. In just six days, you move from lush rainforest to volcanic ridges, cross the high-altitude desert of Lava Tower, and finally summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) under the stars.

Below is the complete 6-day itinerary, crafted with detailed highlights and daily experiences.

Detailed Machame Route 6-Day Trek / Hiking Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi → Machame Gate → Machame Camp (3,010m)

Trek Time: 5–7 hours

Distance: 11 km

Altitude Gain: 1,190 m

Zone: Montane Rainforest

After breakfast in Moshi, you drive to the Machame Gate for registration and meet your trek team. The trail starts gently through towering rainforest, alive with colobus monkeys and lush greenery.

Expect humid conditions and occasional rain, as this section receives the highest rainfall on Kilimanjaro.

The final stretch climbs steadily until you reach Machame Camp, perched above the forest.

Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Trek Time: 4–6 hours

Distance: 5 km

Altitude Gain: 830 m

Zone: Moorland

Today opens with a steep ridge climb as you leave the forest and enter the stunning moorland zone.

Views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru appear behind you as you cross the volcanic plateaus of Kilimanjaro.

The trail winds through heathers and rocky terrain before reaching Shira Camp, one of the most scenic campsites at high altitude.

Overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,976m)

Trek Time: 6–8 hours

Distance: 10 km

Zone: High Alpine Desert

This is one of the most important acclimatization days on the route.

Your first major objective is Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation standing at 4,630m. Here, you stop for lunch and give your body time to adjust to the altitude.

From Lava Tower, the trail descends into the stunning Barranco Valley, filled with giant senecio plants and dramatic cliffs.

Arrive at Barranco Camp, regarded as one of the most beautiful camps on the entire mountain.

Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp → Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Trek Time: 4–5 hours

Distance: 5 km

Zone: Alpine Desert

Start the day with the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling but non-technical scramble that takes you up nearly 300 meters of rugged cliffs.

At the top, enjoy some of the best panoramic views on the Machame Route.

The trail continues with rolling ascents and descents until you reach the junction leading to Karanga Camp, a crucial acclimatization point before the summit attempt.

Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Trek Time: 3–4 hours

Distance: 4 km

Zone: High Alpine Desert

A short but tough day as you head toward Barafu Camp, the main base for the summit push.

Barafu is a cold, wind-swept, and rocky environment—true high-altitude desert. Upon arrival, you have time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent.

Dinner is early, followed by a few hours of sleep.

At around 00:00–01:00, you begin your summit attempt.

Day 6: Summit Attempt

Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Gate → Moshi**

Total Trekking Time: 10–14 hours

Distance: 16–20 km

Zones: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Rainforest

Midnight to Sunrise: Barafu → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak

The final climb is slow and steady, following zigzag switchbacks in the freezing Arctic zone.

After 5–7 hours of continuous ascent, you reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise—a magical moment on the crater rim.

A final 45-minute walk along soft snow leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with photos and take in the breathtaking horizon.

Descent: Uhuru Peak → Barafu → Mweka Gate

After the summit, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch.

Continue further down to Mweka Gate, passing through moorland and lush rainforest.

At the gate, you receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, then transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned celebration.

🌄 Highlights of the Machame Route 6-Day Trek / Whiskey Route

Stunning scenery across five ecological zones

The dramatic Barranco Wall climb

Highly effective acclimatization profile

Sunrise summit push with spectacular glacier views

High summit success rate compared to shorter routes

Excellent for physically fit trekkers looking for a challenge

✔️ Inclusions

Park Fees & Logistics

Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees

Camping fees

Rescue fees

Professional mountain guides

Assistant guides

Porters and mountain chef

All government taxes

All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)

First aid kit + oxygen cylinder

Round-trip transfers: Moshi ↔ Machame Gate

Accommodation & Meals

Mountain camping accommodation

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Clean drinking water

Dining tent for all meals

Support

Daily health checkups (oxygen level & pulse)

Emergency evacuation to the gate

Summit certificate

❌ Exclusions

International & domestic flights

Tanzanian visa fees

Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)

Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles, etc.)

Extra snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol

Hotel accommodation in Moshi (unless added separately)

Personal expenses (laundry, charging, souvenirs)

Portable flush toilet (optional upgrade)